Volvo S80 2007 Exclusive!

EXCLUSIVE: VOLVO REVEALS FIRST DETAILS OF ITS ALL NEW S80 SALOON

· All new Volvo S80 saloon will make its world debut at the Geneva motor show.

· 2^nd generation of Volvo’s flagship executive saloon.

· Safety: Collision Warning and Brake Support with Active Cruise Control.

· World first: Personal Car Communicator (PCC).

· Excellent driving dynamics – benchmarked against class leading premium rivals.

· New Volvo 315bhp V8 with AWD and 3.2 six-cylinder petrol engines, plus latest D5 (185bhp) turbo diesel.

· Scandinavian luxury broadens choice in executive car segment with class-leading interior, 'floating' centre stack, premium materials and colour schemes.

· Prices and specifications to be announced in the spring.

The S80 is the largest of Volvo’s S-range of saloons and this second generation S80 offers a competitive alternative to the dominant, German luxury saloon rivals thanks to its own distinctive Scandinavian style, combined with excellent ride and handling characteristics benchmarked against the class leaders.

“We are convinced that the all new Volvo S80 will be a very strong contender in its class and win over many new customers considering the other popular premium brand rivals. We expect to sell 50,000 new S80s a year around the world, of which 70 per cent will be new Volvo customers,” says Frederik Arp, Volvo Cars CEO. “The main markets for the all new S80 will be the USA, Germany, Spain, Sweden, UK and China,” he continued.

Evolutionary Exterior Design

At its launch in 1998 the first generation S80 heralded a bold new design direction for Volvo, which still looks modern today, but now Volvo’s designers have carefully and cleverly evolved Volvo design language to be more youthful and dynamic as well as introducing new Volvo safety technology and powerful new engines – including Volvo’s V8 (315bhp), available with AWD (All Wheel Drive).

“The all new S80 is about evolutionary design,” says Steve Mattin, Volvo Cars design director. “All the shapes and materials it uses represent a continuous development of the Volvo design language. We have given the all new S80 a more youthful and dynamic stance, and created an even more inviting atmosphere by using refined materials and colours that blend smoothly with smart, user-friendly technology,” he continued.

World Class Safety – new technology

New safety technology for the all new S80 includes a unique Personal Car Communicator (PCC) and new active safety systems – Collision Warning and Brake Support – with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), active Bi-Xenon headlights and a patented body structure developed at the award winning Volvo Safety Centre.

Personal Car Communicator (PCC): The new S80 includes an optional key fob offering 'keyless drive' and incorporating a world first innovation – the Personal Car Communicator (PCC) which features intelligent technology to remotely check if the car is locked or not, alert you if the alarm has been activated, and a heartbeat sensor which warns if there is anyone in the car.

Collision Warning and Brake Support: The Collision Warning system alerts the driver, via a 'heads-up' warning display on the windscreen plus audible buzzer, if the gap to the car in front closes so fast that a collision is likely, while the Brake Support system boosts the braking force to ensure braking is as effective as possible.

The new active Bi-Xenon headlights improve the driver’s visibility at night by turning the beam of the headlights in the direction the steering wheel is being turned.

Scandinavian Luxury

The all new Volvo S80’s ‘Scandinavian Luxury’ differs from the traditional, or Teutonic, luxury offered by the majority of the other premium brands. Instead, Volvo’s ‘Scandinavian Luxury’ radiates a simpler, more stylish and modern feel by combining aesthetics and technology in a more inviting and intelligent way.

The interior design offers a distinctive blend of intelligent, elegant and unpretentious Scandinavian style with a slim 'floating' centre stack, luxury materials for upholsteries and a choice of inlays and colour schemes that blend smoothly together.

Premium Sound audio system

Volvo’s Premium Sound audio system for the all new S80 will include 5x130W D-class digital ICE power amplifiers from Alpine, Dolby^® Pro Logic II Surround Sound^™ and Dynaudio speakers to create the finest, high quality audio system.

Powerful Engines – D5, 2.5T plus new V8 AWD and 3.2-litre in line 6-cylinder

The two new engines available for the all new S80 will be Volvo’s V8 petrol engine, offering 315bhp and 440Nm of torque, which will be combined with AWD (All Wheel Drive) with Instant Traction^™ for maximum traction and driving pleasure. Four catalytic converters and advanced electronics also make it one of the cleanest V8 engines available.

The second engine will be a completely new, naturally aspirated 3.2-litre six-cylinder unit delivering 235bhp with 300Nm of torque and like all Volvos will be fitted transversely to provide maximum space and improved crash performance with more space to absorb any impact.

The new engine was designed by Volvo and will be built at the Ford group engine plant in Bridgend, Wales alongside six and eight-cylinder units for other PAG brands, such as Jaguar and Land Rover. Despite being a six-cylinder unit, it has been designed to be more compact than Volvo’s five-cylinder engines thanks to the camshaft drive mechanism and ancillaries being relocated and integrated into the engine block itself.

In addition, two of Volvo’s five-cylinder engines will be carried over from the current S80 – the 200bhp 2.5T petrol unit with 320Nm of torque and the latest D5 (185bhp) turbo diesel with 400Nm of torque.

Driving Dynamics

Extensive testing and development of the all new S80’s driving dynamics has been undertaken in demanding and extreme conditions around the world. Excellent handling characteristics and driving pleasure have been achieved by benchmarking it against the highest standards of the well known leaders in the premium large saloon class.

Advanced technology in the new S80 includes the options of Volvo’s active ‘Four-C’ chassis with three settings which constantly adjusts chassis settings to suit driving conditions and preferred driving styles, plus servotronic steering offering variable steering torque. In addition, there will be All Wheel Drive with Instant Traction^™ (initially with the V8 engine) and all models will have DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control).

Technorati Tags: Volvo, S80, official, 2007

Fiat Stilo 2006 Facelift

Mild facelift for 2006

Τhese photographs that leaked in the internet during an importer presentation reveal the Fiat Stilo 2006 facelift. The mild facelift will be applied to all versions (3-door, 5-door and Multiwagon) and it is Stilo’s final update before the Italians unveil an all new model in the end of this year.

The most significant changes affect the exterior styling, where a new grille (first seen on the mini Trepiuno concept) which give the Stilo a more family look. The grille includes a chrome inlay, with a perforated central belt and smooth ‘whisker’ sections flanking the laurel-embedded Fiat emblem. The bumper protection mouldings are now colour-coded, whereas a new range of colours will be offered, including the Blu Magnetico recently introduced on the Grande Punto. A new range of alloy's include 16-inch 8-spoke design.

In the passengers cabin, the changes include a new two-tone trim with a nylon-like material applied on the seats. The material is reportedly soft and comfortable, as well as being practical in colour. The trim on the seats also includes a ribbed central pattern, similar to the effect presented on the Grande Punto Dynamic trim level. Other changes focus on the aluminium-finished instrument binnacle and a rounder gearlever knob, which is also complemented by an embossed aluminium gate pattern.

The lightly facelifted versions of the Stilo are due to go on sale across Europe after its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

MITSUBISHI Concept-EZ MIEV Concept & Colt CZC

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will give the MITSUBISHI Concept-EZ¹ MIEV² compact mono-box concept vehicle and the Colt CZC coupe-cabriolet their world premieres at the 76^th Geneva International Motor Show.

Concept-EZ MIEV showcases MMC's MIEV concept for next-generation electric vehicles that employs in-wheel motors and a high-energy-density lithium-ion battery as core technologies. The concept car uses a 20kW outer rotor-type in-wheel motor on each wheel to generate a maximum 80kW (110PS) of power. Maximizing the space freed up by the MIEV design, which does away with a central powertrain thus resulting in a low flat floor layout, Concept-EZ MIEV realizes roomy interior space with an interior height that matches that of a large mono-box model despite its relatively low overall height of 1,750 mm.

Colt CZC inherits the basic concept and styling of the Colt coupe-cabriolet concept model displayed by Mitsubishi Motors at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. Providing space to stow away the retractable hard top in a 2+2 layout, this coupe-cabriolet model joins the European Colt series, including the 5-door Colt hatchback and 3-door Colt CZ3 and Colt CZT hatchbacks, as the third body variation. Derived from the European Colt series built at the company's NedCar facility in the Netherlands, Colt CZC is to go into production at Pininfarina in Italy in March this year.

BRABUS - Mercedes R-Class

GERMAN tuning company Brabus presented its new range based on the controversial styled Mercedes R-Class. Highlights of the product lineup are the BRABUS 6.1 S with 445 hp for the R 500, with an aerodynamic-enhancement program, light-alloy wheels up to 22 inches in diameter with custom-calibrated suspensions, and individual interior options.

BRABUS Tuning for the new Mercedes R-Class

R 320 CDI – 272 hp Equipped with BRABUS PowerXtra D6 (III) tuning rated power output of the R 320 CDI increases from standard 224 hp to 272 hp at 3,800 rpm. At the same time peak torque grows from 510 Nm to 590 Nm. With the tuned common-rail turbodiesel engine the R 320 CDI sprints from 0 - 100 km/h in 8.2 sec. The new top speed is 227 km/h.

R 500 – 445 hp The eight-cylinder R 500 can be elevated to new performance levels in four BRABUS tuning stages. The most powerful of them is labeled BRABUS 6.1 S. In addition to the displacement increase of the V8 engine to 6.1 liters the three-valve cylinder heads are optimized for improved mixture flow and fitted with special camshafts. The conversion further includes a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts. The result after the conversion: 445 hp at 6,000 rpm and an enormous peak torque of 635 Nm at 4,500 rpm. In BRABUS 6.1 S specification the Grand Sports Tourer delivers excellent performance: Just 5.9 sec for 0 - 100 km/h with a top speed of 265 km/h.

For a more sporty emphasis of the characteristic R-Class lines the BRABUS designers developed an aerodynamic-enhancement kit with front spoiler, precise-fit auxiliary headlight inserts for the front bumper and a rear apron with cutouts for the two dual chrome tailpipes of the BRABUS sport exhaust.

Just as important for a customized appearance are BRABUS Monoblock A, S and VI light-alloy wheels, which come in various designs with diameters ranging from 18 to 22 inches. The largest version for the new R-Class features BRABUS wheels in size 10Jx22 shod with Yokohama or Pirelli high-performance tires in size 265/35 ZR 22 in front and in size 295/30 ZR 22 on the rear axle.

The BRABUS suspension engineers developed sporty yet comfortable suspensions perfectly matched to the new tire/wheel combinations. BRABUS also offers high-performance brake systems for the new R-Class. The most powerful system, Version III, consists of 380-millimeter perforated discs and 12-piston aluminium calipers on the front axle. The rear axle features 6-piston calipers on 355-millimeter discs.

Luxury and individuality in the interior is another BRABUS specialty. The options range from stainless-steel sill plates with illuminated BRABUS logo to ergonomically shaped sport steering wheels to an exclusive BRABUS fully leather interior crafted from a combination of especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik and Alcantara leathers.

The BRABUS multimedia package is also available for the new model series. It includes DVD player, game console and LCD screens integrated into the back of the headrests. Upon customer request BRABUS can convert the new R-Class into a fully functional office on wheels with powered tables and a state-of-the-art computer system

Alfa Romeo Brera Spider & 159 SportWagon Official

THESE ARE the first official pictures of Alfa’s all new Brera Spider & 159 SportWagon that leaked in the internet. Scheduled to be unveiled to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in March, both models remain faith to there Italian heritage with there beautifully designed bodies.
World previews:Alfa 159 Sportwagon & Alfa Spider

The Alfa 159 Sportwagon represents a consummate blend of Italian style with the performance and handling of a genuine sportscar, combined with the flexibility of use and versatility of space you would expect from a high class estate. Like the saloon – the total length (4,660 millimetres) is exactly the same – the new model has been given a decidedly sporty look, without that look of ‘added-on volume’ which characterises the typical station wagon. The sleek lines of the long roof give it a coupé feel, as does the roof spoiler and the edgy aerodynamic styling, while the superbly functional interior offers great load volume. All in all Alfa 159 Sportwagon guarantees the performance and dynamic handling of a sportscar with a size of boot in line with that of a high class station wagon, while also offering a versatility which satisfies the tastes and demands of the modern lifestyle.

The Alfa 159 Sportwagon is available in 2 or 3 versions (depending on the country), 12 bodywork colours and 5 interior colourways. It offers three new JTS engines with double continuous variable valve timing (the 260 bhp 3.2 V6 24v, the 185 bhp 2.2 and the 160 bhp 1.9) and three turbodiesel Multijet engines (the 200 bhp 2.4 JTDM 20v, the 150 bhp 1.9 JTDM 16v and the 120 bhp 1.9 JTDM 8v). All of these are fitted with new manual six-speed gearboxes, and some versions also offer automatic gears and robotised Selespeed gear lever, also six speed. Without counting the fact that the range offers all clients, even the most demanding, the opportunity to select from various different options and innovative features.
Also debuting in Geneva is the Alfa Spider. A complex, sophisticated creature which both recalls the glorious Alfa Romeo tradition in this sector (from the Giulietta Spider in the ‘50s to the Duetto and the Nineties model), and rolls out some cutting edge solutions in terms of mechanical specifications and engines.

The new Spider is a generously-sized two-seater – 1,830 millimetres wide, 4,396 long and 1,367 high – characterised by elongated rear lights and four exhaust terminals which accentuate the impression of great temperament. The interior of the Alfa Spider is inviting and gorgeously sophisticated, thanks to the use of sumptuous materials and added value features (as standard, depending on the version): from the automatic dual-zone climate control to the steering wheel mounted radio controls, from VDC to cruise control. Available in two versions, the client can choose his or her Alfa Spider to be fitted with the sparkling 185 bhp 2.2 JTS engine or the powerful 260 bhp 3.2 JTS.

Lastly, both Alfa Romeo models ensure outstanding dynamic performance thanks to high double wishbone suspension at the front and Multilink at the rear. Along with great ride comfort, the Alfa Spider and Alfa 159 Sportwagon boast a sporty configuration and the use of state of the art ‘Q4’ four wheel drive (available on the 260 bhp 3.2 versions). What’s more – like the saloon version which was recently awarded 5 prestigious Euro NCAP stars – the two Alfa Romeo models once more confirm the utmost attention which goes into all aspects regarding safety, as well as offering the most sophisticated electronic vehicle dynamic control devices.

Lexus ES 2007

A CAPTURE from a video release and a few spy pictures give us a good glimpse of the all new 2007 Lexus ES model. No specifications released yet, but according to Lexus USA, the world premiere of its all-new ES luxury sedan will be staged at a press conference during the Chicago Auto Show on Wednesday, February 8, 2006. According to the luxury Japanese carmaker, the fifth-generation ES which arrives late this spring, is going to set impressive new standards in design, styling, engineering, safety and performance.

UPDATE: FOR OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE, SPECIFICATIONS & PICTURES CLICK HERE

Peugeot 307 & Citroen C4 Hybird-Diesel Concepts

FRENCH GROUP PSA Peugeot- Citroën is going to demonstrate two Diesel Hybird concepts based on the C4 & 307 models. Although this technology that combines two of today’s best solutions for reduced gas consumption is not going to be ready for production for another 5 years, it gives European carmakers a new insight for the future as they lead in Diesel engine technology.

Press release : Peugeot Citroën unveil Diesel Hybrid Technology: PSA Peugeot Citroën today unveils two demonstrators featuring a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain, the Peugeot 307 and the Citroën C4 Hybride HDi.
The performance of these cars represents a major breakthrough in further improving fuel economy and reducing CO₂ emissions. They also provide increased driving comfort under all conditions, especially in urban traffic.
Average diesel consumption for these two cars is 3.4 litres /100 km, with 90 grams of CO₂ emitted per kilometre, tank to wheel—a record for compact cars, the most popular segment in Europe. This is some 25% better than a similar vehicle equipped with a petrol hybrid system, or as much as a litre per 100 kilometres in combined urban and motorway driving.
PSA Peugeot Citroën’s Hybrid HDi technology comprises of a 1.6-litre HDi diesel engine, a particulate filter system (DPFS) with the latest generation Stop & Start system, an electric motor, inverter, high-voltage battery pack and dedicated control electronics. The cars are also equipped with an electronically-managed manual gearbox.
The Stop & Start system enables the Hybride HDi vehicules to start and drive using only the HDi diesel engine, even when the high-voltage battery pack is totally flat. Other hybrid vehicles, in contrast, would be totally immobilised in this situation.

The Hybride HDi introduces several innovative features:

• Recovery of kinetic energy during deceleration and braking.

• All-electric mode, or Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV), eliminating noise and emissions for urban driving at up to 50 kilometres an hour.

• Extended ZEV mode, in which electrical power is used by default, depending on the battery charge level.

For main road and motorway driving, the electric motor can provide a 35% power boost for extra acceleration when needed, thereby enhancing driving comfort.
PSA Peugeot Citroën could market its Hybride HDi vehicles as early as 2010. However, their introduction rests on making this technology available at an affordable price. Today, the price gap between a Hybride HDi model and a comparable diesel HDi model is still too wide and would have to be halved to make diesel hybrid vehicles accessible to most consumers.
PSA Peugeot Citroën has asked the French Agency for Industrial Innovation to support the project. Enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing CO₂ emissions to address the issue of greenhouse gases is a critical component of PSA Peugeot Citroën’s product strategy. PSA Peugeot Citroën vehicles rank amongst the best in class worldwide for low fuel consumption and C0₂ emissions.
To sustain this achievement, PSA Peugeot Citroën is leveraging its expertise in high-tech diesel engines, a segment where it is a world leader (more than 8 million cars with the common-rail HDi engine sold), and its pioneering role in electric vehicles. The new Hybride HDi system presented today combines many advantages of the HDi diesel engine with those of an electric motor for urban driving.
Peugeot 307 and Citroën C4 Hybride HDi

• 1.6-litre HDi engine + diesel particulate filter system

• Electronically-managed gearbox

• New-generation Stop & Start system

• Electric motor and inverter

• High-voltage battery pack

• Dedicated control electronics

• All-electric mode for speeds under 50 kilometres an hour

•Driver selection of Extended ZEV mode

Kia Carnival MPV 2007

KOREAN car manufacture Kia released its all new Carnival MPV which is based on a shortened version of the American Sedona MPV. The Carnival, which will be sold in Asian and European markets, has a wheelbase of 2.890 mm and a length of 4.810 mm vs 5.130 mm and 3.010 mm respectively for the Sedona. Width and height remain at 1.985 and 1.760 mm. As the American version, the Carnival will be able to seat 7 passengers in three rows. In Korea, the large MPV will be fitted with a 2.9 V6 engine that produces 170 hp and 36,0 kgm of torque. The European debute of Kia’s new model is excepted to take place in the Geneva Show

Chevrolet Epica - Suzuki Verona - Daewoo Tosca 2007

The Daewoo Tosca was officially presented in Korea and I updated the photo album with new pictures. The Koreanj mid size sedan will be sold in Europe as Chevrolet Epica while it is also rumored that it will come to the US a 2007 Suzuki Verona. Although Korean is definitely not one of my strong points, with the help of web-translators I managed to come up with the engine specifications. There are two inline 6cylinder engines available:

2.0 liter with 144 hp / 6.300 rpm & 19,2 kgm torque / 4.600 rpm

2.5 liter with 157 hp / 5.800 rpm & 24,0 kgm torque / 4.000 rpm

The European edition will be previewed in the Geneva Motor Show

Heuliez Macarena – Peugeot 407 Sedan-Cabrio

FRENCH coachbuilder Heuliez which specializes in producing short series models for niche markets such as convertible or station-wagons is going to present the Macarena Concept in Geneva.

The success of coupe-cabrio models such as the Opel Tigra TwinTop and the Peugeot 206 CC in Europe, (both designed by Heuliez), drove the French company into developing a sedan-cabrio edition of the new Peugeot 407.

The study is called Macarena and features a glaas top roof system that opens with a push of a button, transforming the sedan to a 4door-cabrio. The electro-hydraulic system opens the 3 piece roof in less than 30sec, storing it inside the boot. When that happens, the volume of the boot is limited to 300 litres.

It should be stated that Heuliez is talking with several automakers that are interested in using this innovative roof system in there sedans.